Bid to recruit more women

Police Scotland are to hold a unique recruitment event in Aberdeen specifically aimed at encouraging more women to join as police officers.

The event will take place on Friday, May 20 from 9.30am and 2.15pm at Nelson Street Police Office in Aberdeen.

Commenting on the event, Recruitment Inspector Irene Coyle said: “From our statistics we know that women are underrepresented when it comes to applications to join Police Scotland, which is disappointing.

“A career with the police is open to everyone.

“All police officers, regardless of gender or age, have access to the same opportunities for progression, development and promotion and with flexible working opportunities for both women and men, there has never been a better time to work within the police service.

“We are holding this recruitment event specifically to address some of the questions and concerns women may have about joining as a Police Officer.

“There will be a number of different speakers on the day who will cover topics such as ‘Fear of the unknown’, the recruitment process plus there will be demonstrations on officer safety training and even an opportunity to see and try the fitness test.

“There will also be a number of inputs from female officers who will be able to talk about their experience, careers and for some, how work fits around family.”

Over the past year in the North of Scotland just under 25 percent of applications to join the police were from women and the force is keen to increase this figure.”

Chief Inspector Alison Higgins added: “With the job security, fantastic training and opportunities for progression, a career as a police officer really is a job like no other.

“It’s important to the police service that our officers represent the communities we serve.

“The fact that the number of female applicants is not as high as male ones, has led us to organise this event.